Machining Tools

[Inetmonkey]

Heya gents. Been looking for some info but I wanted to get some personal opinions or experiences. I'm looking for a good "all in one" machine tool along the lines of a Smithy 1340 or something similar. I wouldn't even consider one of them from Harbor Freight (I don't buy anything with moving parts from them if I can help it ) but would like to hear if you guys have any experience with the Smithy or similar types.

Space is a concern for me and I don't need to make big parts, so I'm looking for the most function in the smallest package with the most reasonable price. Possibly to be upgraded to CNC at a later date. Any opinions or tips would be appreciated!

 

[wilbilt]

I have read the Smithy-type combo machines are a good deal less rigid than their dedicated counterparts. Depending on what your expectations are, they might be the best choice based on your space requirements.

My only "machine tools" are an old Craftsman 6" lathe (as rigid as a hunk of Velveeta) and a couple of drill presses that don't work very well as mills.

I was considering an all-in-one (upscale HF-type from Enco), but then realized I don't really have any use for it...

 

[eschoendorff]

I was considering an all-in-one (upscale HF-type from Enco), but then realized I don't really have any use for it...

yeah, but you know you want it anyway!

 

[wilbilt]

yeah, but you know you want it anyway!

You're just waiting for me to die....

 

[eschoendorff]

You're just waiting for me to die....

Yeah, pretty much

 

[astroracer]

I've been using a Smithy combo machine nearly every day since 1992. It has performed very well and I have no complaints.
Jet, Grizzly, Enco, Harbor Freight are all basically the same machine with different paint colors. I wouldn't rule out HF just because it's HF. You will buy the same machine from any of the "brand" names for more money... If you can do some research check into what bearings and motor are being used. These will be the major differences between them.
Mark

 

[SKINNER]

I've been using a Smithy combo machine nearly every day since 1992. It has performed very well and I have no complaints.

Which Smithy do you have? What type of precision is it capable of?

 

[pirate]

I have a fair amount of experience using machine tools such as mills and lathes but have never used one of the multi-tools so can't comment on how well they work. While at the Rolex Sports Car Series racing at Barber Motorsports Park in July I did notice a Grizzly multi-tool mounted on one of the benches at the back of the semi trailer car hauler. Don't remeber which team but the guy was machining what appeared to be a small bushing. As with most things you usually get what you pay for. I do have a friend who has made a living building kitchen cabinets and has a large shop full of Grizzly wood working tools. He swears by them!

 

[gerry]

I bought a Smithy probably ten years ago and it was junk. leadscrew was metric, no halfnut. All the fasteners were SOFT and would round off in the blink of an eye. Nothing was repeatable. Every time I removed the chuck and reinstalled it was always off center. The mill head would not clamp down tight enough on the round column so that it would not move during a milling operation. The slowest speed was too fast to cut threads without a halfnut unless you cut them upside down on the backside of the work moving to the tailstock. Finally gave up trying to do quality work with it and bought an old Sheldon 11X40.

I suggest you look for an old Sears Chraftsman 12X36" lathe instead. If you absolutly have to buy a 3 in 1 then be willing to spend more time setting up to do a job that you spend actually doing the work. You can always do light work in a heavy machine tool but you cannot do heavy work in a light machine tool. Buy bigger and heavier than you think you will ever need

 

[SteveL]

Here's a link to a very good deal on a Grizzly set up. Not sure if he still has it but worth a look.

http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=2623289&page=9&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=

He is primarily a wood worker and just does not have room to keep this in his shop.

 

[-lecroix-]

i sell machine tools (Haas CNC) for a living and i have to agree with gerry ... save yourself some headache's and find an older Atlas/South Bend lathe and a small knee mill ... may cost ya a little more money up front, but in the long run you will save yourself hundreds of hours.

 

[chevy302dz]

If your set on a 3 in 1 go with the Harbor Freight unit, it's the same machine as most of the others. That said you would be better served with a old Atlas hobby lathe or a small southbend, and a small Bridgeport mill.